MERSEYSIDE’S waste mountain could be burned in neighbouring Cheshire as part of a deal to solve its rubbish crisis.

At least one waste-burning incinerator to deal with around 500,000 tonnes a year is being planned by the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA).

But the authority has clashed with Merseyside council leaders who do not want to see incinerators built in the area.

MWDA is to enter into talks with developers Peel over the possibility of building a facility at Ince Marshes off the M56.

Crucially Peel already has planning permission for a 95 Mega Watt power plant that could burn up to 600,000 tonnes of waste each year on the 100 hectare site.

Last night Wirral Council leader Steve Foulkes said: “It was an option that everyone would be able to get behind.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult to find a Merseyside solution. There is a high level of confidence that this is an option to go for.”

The latest development follows a recent meeting between Merseyside council leaders and MWDA officials.

Today it can also be revealed that MWDA has shortlisted two companies – Sita and Covanta – to build and operate an incinerator under a Public Finance Initiative (PFI) deal ultimately worth £3bn over 25 years.

Since 2005, the organisation has been drawing up detailed plans for “thermal treatment works”.

It has previously said it wants to build the largest waste sites in the “vicinity” of where the M62 crosses the M57, and where the M57 crosses the East Lancashire Road.

Merseyside needs to deal with the 856,000 tonnes of waste it produces each year to avoid hefty European fines.